Kia Soul vs Mazda Mazda2
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Kia Soul
Price TBC
Hatch
Petrol
In-line 4 cyl DOHC MPI D-CVVT 16-valve petrol
113kW
8.4 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
238L
Mazda Mazda2
From $20,495
Hatch
Petrol
1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16-valve DOHC S-VT
76kW
6.4 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
250L
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Soul and Mazda Mazda2 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 0 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
Drivetrain
The Kia Soul uses a In-line 4 cyl DOHC MPI D-CVVT 16-valve petrol producing 113kW and 191Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic (sports-matic) to a FWD layout.
The Mazda Mazda2 responds with a 1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16-valve DOHC S-VT making 76kW and 135Nm, paired to a 5-speed manual driving the front wheels.
The Kia Soul has the clear power advantage at 113kW vs 76kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Soul measures 4,140mm long on a 2,570mm wheelbase, 240mm longer than the Mazda Mazda2 at 3,900mm (2,490mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Soul generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 238L in the Kia Soul and 250L in the Mazda Mazda2, giving the Mazda Mazda2 a 12L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Soul leads with a 1,100kg braked capacity vs 700kg. That 400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m to 10.6m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 9.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,394/year for the Kia Soul and $1,824/year for the Mazda Mazda2. That is a $570 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda2.
Estimated annual total: $2,394 (Kia Soul) vs $1,824 (Mazda Mazda2). The Mazda Mazda2 saves you roughly $570 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Soul) vs 3 years (Mazda Mazda2). The Kia Soul has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Soul if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda Mazda2 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Soul takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mazda Mazda2 will save you roughly $570 a year in fuel. The Kia Soul adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Soul and Mazda Mazda2?
The Mazda Mazda2 is the cheapest at $20,495 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda Mazda2 uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Soul and Mazda Mazda2 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mazda Mazda2 has the largest boot at 250L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Soul has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,100kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Soul has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Soul makes the most power at 113kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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